I’ve gotten pretty good over the years at trusting my gut. Especially in business and art. My spidey sense usually works pretty well! This time…not so much.
I got an email from a company offering a fountain pen for review. What harm could there be, right? I ignore and delete these offer emails 99% of the time, they’re usually companies promoting terrible knockoffs – but I ignored that.
However I did get a project ready and didn’t let the product stop me in my tracks.

Tutorial: Trusting your art intuition
In the video you’ll see an unboxing of a Dryden Designs pen but don’t buy one! It had a myriad of issues, and when I emailed the company (givig them the chance to send a new working pen) they’ve never replied. So there’s that. I switched to my Peter Pen instead.
Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!
Before and after
Below are the color panels before and after inking:




Giveaway and new class at Teachable
Over on YouTube you can leave a comment as per instructions to enter for the free seat in the class! I’ll announce the winner in the Friday video.
*****UPDATE: The Gratitude Junk Journal class will be available for pre-reg on October 1; please do use my link; my compensation depends on use of my affiliate link.
Supplies
Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art
- I’m not even bothering to link to the terrible Dryden pen. You don’t need it.
- Peter Pen
- Yasutomo Mineral paper
Loved making the endless little sketchbook and PLAYING! We all need to risk failure and create like children do!!
I am grateful to find talented artists like you who inspire my wanna be artist. I can’t wait to try your ideas here. I always enjoy your videos and appreciate your honesty and soothing voice. I look forward to spending some quality time with my supplies this weekend trying this foldable sketchbook. Thanks!
I am grateful for an answered prayer. I asked God to help me hunger and thirst for his word and since then I’ve been reading my Bible much more, I started a second Bible study with two friends where we read two chapters a week and go through them together. I have learned so much working this way. I also have another Bible study where we really delve into the word as well so it has more than doubled my reading and reading time with the Lord. Thank you so much Sandy for your inspiration and art that you share with all of us. In Christian love Kathy
Oh, my goodness….you made 2 panels!!! They are both amazing! I used “foldables” for years when I was teaching. Your endless sketchbook is new to me! I’m off to make some for my grandkids….and then some for me! Thanks, Sandy! 🙂
Such an important reminder about listening to our artist intuition! I am so very grateful for all that you teach us, Sandy! As a retired teacher, I have admired YOUR dedication to teaching for many years. I can’t wait to make a tiny, folded sketchbook of my own. In fact, I think I will try it for my Artist Date this week! Many thanks!
Thankful for the mild weather we’re finally having here in California. That fire season has been kept under control for the most part.
Thank you for the pen review.
Glad your weather is better! I’m headed there for a family visit in the near future, and was hoping for more temperate weather :0)
you are an amazing artist Sandy!
Thanks Terry!